Optimizing building hvac efficiency and occupant comfort

ABSTRACT

In a commercial building, individual occupant thermal comfort is achieved with optimal cost and energy efficiency through the integration of a variety of local thermal comfort components into a communication network that employs emerging optimization principles to meet individual preferences for the thermal environment on a workstation basis while reducing building energy use and operating in accordance with any constraints on the energy grids that serve the buildings. These multiple objectives are met in part through a robust communication network that employs distributing processing to achieve preferred thermal conditions with optimal control of all components at subzone, zone, system, central plant, and energy grid levels.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is divisional of co-pending application Ser. No.17/175,356 filed Feb. 12, 2021 which is a non-provisional of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/976,189 filed Feb. 13, 2020. Theprior applications are incorporated herein by this reference.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

© 2020-2022 Thomas Hartman. A portion of the disclosure of this patentdocument contains material which is subject to copyright protection. Thecopyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyoneof the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in thePatent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwisereserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR § 1.71(d).

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure is in the field of commercial building heating,ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) and pertains to methods,systems and apparatus to collect and utilize data regarding individualpreferences for thermal comfort and to coordinate these preferences withothers in various thermal zones.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Thermal comfort (or discomfort) is a major complaint in commercialbuildings. A recent survey of more than 34,000 occupants in 215commercial buildings found only 11% were satisfied with the thermalconditions in their buildings. It is recognized that individual humanvariations in desired thermal environments makes the longstandingstrategy of providing a uniform thermal environment throughout buildingspaces obsolete. A shift is now being made to providing commercialbuilding occupants with some individual control over their workspacethermal environments. However, efforts are also underway to encouragethe commercial building sector to become more energy efficient. Addingindividual thermal control is seen as contrary to this effort sinceadding individual occupant control has historically resulted in anincrease in the energy consumption of commercial buildings.

At the same time, environmental concerns are making the use ofnon-carbon emitting sources of energy more attractive. These sourceswhich are being led by solar voltaic and wind generation have been shownto be sufficiently abundant to provide a substantial portion of energyrequirements for electrical grids, but they lack the ability to predictand control the short-term capacity that traditional sources of buildingenergy sources have. So, as these sources are integrated into electricgrids, the ability to adjust loads to meet short term constraints withinthe grid as well as employ the lowest cost and most environmentallyfriendly energy sources is needed.

In prior art, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2019/0041883 toClark et al. (“Clark”) discloses an air movement device located in asubzone (“microzone”) of a larger zone (“macrozone”) and a method ofcoordinating its operation to cause the cooling effect of air movementfor local thermal comfort control with the temperature control of thelarger zone (macrozone). The specification describes the air movementdevice and communication links for its operation and coordination.However, Clark's disclosure is limited to a single specific means ofproviding local comfort and relies on continuous network communicationsfor it to operate. These important limitations are avoided by the newmethod of subzone control disclosed and described below. More generally,the need remains to improve individual occupant comfort while reducingthe use of energy resources and environmental impact for the wholebuilding.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following is a summary of the invention in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is notintended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or todelineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to presentsome concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to themore detailed description that is presented later.

The present application discloses the incorporation of occupancy,occupant preferences, direct occupant interaction, and the nature andcurrent energy consumption of the local devices as well as the cost andavailability of the sources to the building into the operationaldecision making at the individual workstation level. It regulatesadditional comfort factors beyond traditional space temperature controlto provide localized variations in the thermal environment to satisfythe different thermal environment preferences among occupants atworkstations in close proximity. Further, local controllers report tothe building energy system(s) over a network in order to ensure theoverall building system, that includes workstation-based components, isoperating at optimal efficiency and is also continuously (or frequently)adjusted to ensure optimally efficient operation and respondseffectively to constraints in the grid(s) that supplies energy to thebuilding. In some embodiments, multiple subzone comfort devices can beemployed and complete logic and control capabilities for subzone controlare incorporated into each local subzone controller).

In some embodiments, the building occupants may be engaged to encouragetheir active support in ensuring the building operation is as efficientand environmentally responsible as possible. Occupant engagement andparticipation may be implemented, for example, through communicationswith their local sub-zone (or workspace) controller logic. In someembodiments, that logic may be implemented in a smart terminal unit. Insome other cases, that logic may be implemented at the server level orremotely and communicated through the cloud.

In one example embodiment, an HVAC networking system comprises thefollowing:

a zone controller arranged to connect to a VAV box to control flow ofconditioned air into a zone of a building;

plural subzone controllers, each associated with a corresponding subzonein the zone, and communicatively coupled to the zone controller;

each subzone having local components that provide thermal comfortcontrol, lighting, power, or other amenities for the subzoneoccupant(s), and each component arranged for communication with thecorresponding subzone controller;

the local subzone components in each subzone arranged to communicateoperating data to the corresponding subzone controller;

wherein the subzone controller is arranged to collect the operating datafrom each of the components, generate aggregated subzone operating databased at least in part on the collected data, and communicate theaggregated subzone operating data to the zone controller ZID;

wherein the zone controller is arranged to collect the subzone operatingdata from the subzone controllers, generate aggregated zone operatingdata based at least in part on the collected subzone operating data, andcommunicate the aggregated zone operating data to a remote server thatcaptures, stores, and processes this the data.

In another example embodiment, a method for improving user comfort andoptimizing building energy efficiency in a commercial building served byan HVAC system, comprising:

-   -   identifying a zone of a building that is served by a zone-wide        primary comfort component, the zone-wide primary comfort        component operated by a zone controller;    -   designating plural subzones within the zone, each subzone        arranged to receive thermal comfort conditioning from the        primary comfort component;    -   in each designated subzone, providing a local subzone controller        associated with the corresponding subzone, thereby defining a        one-to-one relationship between each local subzone controller        and the corresponding subzone;    -   in each local subzone controller, identifying at least one        auxiliary thermal comfort control component that is local to the        subzone and operated by the subzone controller;    -   in each local subzone controller, determining current occupancy        status, current thermal comfort conditions and current comfort        settings of the subzone;

in each local subzone controller—

-   -   calculating a comfort factor adjustment to satisfy the current        subzone comfort settings based on the current occupancy status        and the current thermal comfort conditions;    -   determining a least-cost or most energy efficient combination of        adjustments (a) to the zone-wide primary comfort component        and (b) to operation of the subzone auxiliary thermal comfort        component(s) to achieve the calculated comfort factor        adjustment;    -   communicating the determined primary comfort component        adjustment as a request to the zone controller;    -   determining and executing an immediate adjustment to operation        of the identified subzone auxiliary thermal comfort component(s)        to achieve the calculated comfort factor adjustment with the        current state of the zone wide thermal comfort component so as        to quickly achieve the desired subzone thermal comfort setting;        and    -   periodically readjusting the operation of the subzone auxiliary        comfort component(s) as the zone-wide comfort component is        adjusted by the zone controller, thereby to increase overall        efficiency of the conditioning system and better meet the        current desired thermal comfort setting at all subzones.

The present innovation generally must be implemented in a combination ofhardware and software (i.e., stored, machine-readable instructions) forexecution in one or more processors. The volume, frequency andcomplexity of operations involved preclude any manual or “pencil andpaper” solution as impracticable. Such processors may be provisioned inthe building server, zone controllers, subzone controllers, and smartterminal units. Additional logic may be implemented in HVAC systems atthe building or campus level. The following is a detailed description ofsome preferred embodiments, which proceeds with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To enable the reader to realize one or more of the above-recited andother advantages and features of the present disclosure, a moreparticular description follows by reference to specific embodimentsthereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understandingthat these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the disclosureand are not therefore to be considered limiting of its scope, thepresent disclosure will be described and explained with additionalspecificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 (Prior art) is a simplified diagram that illustrates a variableair volume (“VAV”) building comfort system for conventional temperaturecontrol of building spaces with a VAV box zone control unit and standarddiffusers to distribute conditioned air to the zone.

FIG. 2 (Prior art) is a simplified diagram that illustrates a (“VAV”)building comfort system for conventional temperature control of buildingspaces with a VAV box zone control unit but using smart diffusers todistribute conditioned air to the zone.

FIG. 3 (Prior art) is a simplified diagram that illustrates a (“VAV”)building comfort system for conventional temperature control of buildingspaces with a VAV box zone control unit utilizing standard diffusers anda separate auxiliary component that allows adjustment of local thermalconditioning levels by controlling a secondary (air movement) comfortfactor independent of the VAV system operation.

FIG. 4 is a simplified diagram of an embodiment of the invention thatillustrates a VAV system that provides coordinated localized individualthermal control at each workstation by utilizing smart multi-functionalterminal units (“Uniterm”) that maintain thermal comfort conditions bycoordinating the control of both the space temperature and localized airmovement, to achieve individualized and optimized thermal control ateach workstation or subzone.

FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram that illustrates a generic comfort systemwhich could be a VAV system, a radiant system or an underfloor or othersystem that integrates an auxiliary comfort component into the comfortsystem (in this case a ceiling fan) for each subzone.

FIG. 6 provides a further illustration of network communications andoperations for additional comfort and other localized devices that canbe monitored and controlled by the system and the local controls.

FIG. 7 illustrates communications for an example system comprisingplural zones and respective subzones.

FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram illustrating communications for anexample system comprising plural buildings.

FIG. 9 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating the mechanicalcomponents and the communication connections of the methods and systemin accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a simplified block diagram illustrating examplecommunications and operations of a controller coupled to amulti-functional smart unit (Uniterm).

FIG. 11 is a simplified block diagram illustrating some of thecommunications and operations of an Air Handler level controller.

FIG. 12 is a simplified block diagram illustrating some of thecommunications and operations of a Central Plant level controller.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the inventiveconcept, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.The accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In thefollowing detailed description, numerous specific details are set forthto enable a thorough understanding of the inventive concept. It shouldbe understood, however, that persons having ordinary skill in the artmay practice the inventive concept without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, circuits,and networks have not been described in detail so as not tounnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. Like numbers refer tolike elements throughout the various views and drawings. As used herein,the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more ofthe associated listed items. We begin with the following review of thestate of the art.

Typical HVAC systems that operate in commercial buildings supplyconditioning to multiple “zones” within the building. In FIG. 1, diagram100 illustrates conventional comfort control of building spaces with avariable air volume system which is the most commonly employed type incommercial buildings. In FIG. 1, a VAV box unit 120 regulates the flowof conditioning air to the zone it serves with standard diffusers 140which may be mounted in or below the ceiling 112. In this arrangement,usually a single temperature sensor 114 located in zone 110 provideszone temperature to a VAV box controller 130 which is part of thebuilding automation system (BAS). Airflow from the VAV box or airhandler is established based on difference between zone temperature andtemperature setpoint. The portion of zone air flow to each diffuser isfixed, established by initial system balancing. Airflow is provided toeach diffuser by a suitable pipe, duct or the like, indicated by 150.Because the conditioned air from the VAV box is at a temperature that istoo cold, or in winter too hot, to be comfortable, the airflow fromceiling diffusers 140 is directed across ceiling 112 where it mixeswith, and cools, or warms, room air to lower or raise the spacetemperature, providing indirect conditioning to occupants below.

Each zone generally encompasses several hundred to a thousand or moresquare feet of occupied area and each zone typically serves multipleoccupants. Generally, just a single temperature sensor (sometimesreferred to as a thermostat) 114 located somewhere in the zone isincorporated to control the source of conditioning to each zone. Thezone temperature sensor 114 is coupled to the BAS zone controller 130 bya wired or wireless connection 116. There is very little and often nomeans for temperature adjustment within each zone to accommodate thedifferent thermal preferences of the multiple occupants that inhabit thezone. Because each zone is independent from adjacent zones, there canalso be issues among adjacent zones wherein attempting to maintaindifferent thermal conditions between zones can result in the zones“fighting” each other to maintain different thermal conditions andresulting in additional energy expended without achieving noticeablethermal differences between adjacent zones. For this reason, allowingoccupant adjustment of the zone thermostat is discouraged and often notallowed in commercial buildings.

Where local control is applied, the devices intended to enableindividual thermal and lighting level adjustment are generally standalone and not incorporated into the operation of the overall HVACsystem. So, personal comfort devices such as supplemental heaters ortemperature-controlled air diffusers, because they are not incorporatedinto the HVAC system, are more likely to increase overall energy use.For example, operating a separate, independently controlled, local heatsource such as a portable space heater may warm the air surrounding thetemperature sensor that controls airflow to the zone a zone and causethe HVAC system to provide additional cooling to the zone, counteringthe effect of the local heat source and adding even more energy cost toits operation, and possibly resulting in additional discomfort to otherzone occupants.

FIG. 2 in the drawings illustrates control of a space with smartdiffusers. The system is similar to that in FIG. 1 except as follows. Inthis arrangement, the zone temperature sensor 214 located in zone 210still provides zone temperature to VAV box controller 230 to control theamount of conditioning air delivered to the zone from the VAV box as inFIG. 1. However, smart diffusers 240 replace the standard diffusers ofFIG. 1 and by positioning their internal air dampers, adjust relativeair flow among the smart diffusers in the zone. But due to the indirectmeans of distributing the conditioned air into zone, variations in theresulting conditioning cannot effectively target specific areas.Furthermore, airflow from VAV box 220 or air handler is established byVAV box controller 230 based on difference between zone temperature andtemperature setpoint as in FIG. 1 so these smart diffusers do notgenerally affect the total conditioning supplied to the zone. A means ofsensing local temperature is provided for each smartdiffuser—independent of VAV box temperature sensing and control. Theindividual smart diffuser temperature sensors 246 may be integrated intothe smart diffuser or implemented as a separate wall-mounted sensor.

The portion of conditioning air flow to each smart diffuser 240 isautomatically adjusted with a corresponding damper 242 with actuator ineach smart diffuser and is based on the local temperature and localsetpoint at each smart diffuser. Airflow from each smart diffuser isdirected across ceiling where it mixes with room air to provide indirectconditioning to occupants below. Occupants can change the local air flowby adjusting the temperature setpoint at each smart diffuser, butoverall air flow and thus level of conditioning supplied to the zone isestablished by zone thermostat 214 which is connected to the BAS VAV boxcontroller 230. Local setpoint may be adjusted by wall-mountedinterface, wireless connection, etc. The application of smart diffusersis usually able to make zone comfort conditions more uniform throughoutat zone, but they are generally not effective in providing thevariations in the thermal environment between adjacent workstations thatmay be desired by their occupants.

FIG. 3 illustrates conventional control of space and VAV box unit 360with standard diffusers and auxiliary devices. In FIG. 3, each user'sworkstation and respective work area is identified as a sub-zone 320,321, 322. The arrangement in this figure is similar to FIG. 1 except asdescribed below. As in FIG. 1, a temperature sensor 314 located in thezone provides zone temperature to VAV box controller 330 and airflowfrom VAV box or air handler is established by BAS VAV box controller 330based on difference between zone temperature reported by 314, forexample, and temperature setpoint.

Also as in FIG. 1, a portion of air flow to each diffuser 340 is fixed,established by initial system balancing. Airflow from ceiling diffusersis directed across ceiling where it mixes with room air to provideindirect conditioning to occupants below. However, in FIG. 3, anauxiliary individual comfort device, for example a ceiling fan 345,allows localized air movement to adjust or modify the local thermalenvironment with adjustment by each occupant via smart phone, or somemay automatically adjust air movement to compensate for spacetemperature changes in order to maintain a constant thermal condition ineach subzone as the space temperature varies. However, the current artin FIG. 3 does not integrate the operation of the ceiling fan into theoperation of the HVAC system for coordinated overall optimized energyefficient operation. Nor does the system in FIG. 3 allow automaticreadjustment of the relative contribution of the space temperature andair movement in response to constraints that include a short-termelevated rate structure, in the grid or other external limitations, orallow other subzone components to be integrated into a uniform localenvironmental control system.

New Comfort Network

The general purpose of this invention is to improve building occupantcomfort and building energy utilization through the optimized use of lowcost and low environmental impact energy sources by providing integratedindividualized workstation-based thermal control, that simultaneouslyreduces overall energy use, and improves the capacity of the buildingenergy systems to which the invention is applied to match constraints ofthe power grid(s) that serve(s) the building thereby minimizing the costand environmental impact of the energy that is consumed by the building.In this disclosure, we use the term “workstation” to refer to a workarea (workspace, office, cubicle, etc.) rather than a device such as adesktop computer. Each workstation has one, or in some cases multipleoccupants. And the space in and around which each workstation is locatedis herein called a subzone.

Thermal comfort, for typical healthy individuals, is a sense of comfortdetermined by several factors in the individual's (or user's)environment, mainly the following: First, Space Temperature—this is thetemperature in the space (for example, a subzone) that is measured witha common thermometer, which may be integrated into a component such as aterminal unit.

Second, Mean Radiant Temperature—this is the thermal effect of the heatthat is radiated from the walls, windows, floor and ceiling in the spaceof interest. The “mean” radiant temperature is simply the combinedeffect of all of them (according to known formulae). Where a room hasbeen at a stable temperature for some time, and only interior walls,floors and ceiling, it is likely that the mean radiant temperature isequal to the space temperature because all these surfaces will have thesame temperature as the space. But if, for example, it is cold outsideand a user is sitting near a window, they will perceive a cooler thermalcondition than the space temperature would indicate, because they aresubject to a lower mean radiant temperature. In still air environments,one can assume the mean radiant and space temperature are about equal intheir effect on comfort. For example, if one is seated in a space thathas a space temperature of 73 F and a mean radiant temperature of 71 F,their perception of comfort will be a surrounding temperature ofapproximately 72 F. For purposes of comfort calculations, Space and Meanradiant temperatures are often combined together in a term called“Operative Temperature.” In this example, the operative temperaturewould be approximately 72 F.

Third, Air Movement—This is the average velocity of the air surroundinga user as they occupy a space. The faster the air is moving around you,the cooler you feel due to the increased rate of conduction of heat fromyour body by the air movement. A small change in air movement by aslittle as 20 feet per minute (which is imperceptible to most people) hasabout a 1 degree F. change in thermal sensation, i.e., thermal comfort.Finally, Humidity in the range that exists in most commercial buildingshas a very small effect on thermal sensation and is not considered herefor the purposes of this application. The above factors togetherdetermine and describe a current thermal condition of a space.

Thus, it will be seen that we apply adjustments to any and all of thesethree factors, depending on what components are deployed in the HVACsystem, to allow individualized thermal conditions at each workstation.More specifically, based on individual preferences expressed for eachworkstation, we trade off or balance the costs and effectiveness oflocal (zone and subzone) component adjustments versus the costs oravailability of the HVAC system supply adjustments (say, at a buildingHVAC system air handler) such as space temperature to arrive at theoptimal combination of comfort factor adjustments in terms of bothenergy efficiency and system constraints or limitations to meet theusers' thermal comfort preference which may be different at eachworkstation.

In some embodiments, intelligent terminal devices of various types canbe operated to adjust the thermal conditions in each local workstationenvironment. One embodiment of this invention relies primarily onadjusting space temperature and the local air movement for this purpose,but may also use other local components, such as localized radiantpanels, locally applied heating or cooling such as a conditioned chair,floor pad or desk. Local equipment advantageously is incorporated intothe system as part of an overall comfort strategy as will be shown.

In other aspects of the invention, we incorporate occupancy, occupantpreferences, direct occupant interaction (for example, user interfacedialog), and the nature and current energy consumption of the localcomponents as well as the cost and availability of the energy sources tothe building into the operational decision making at the occupant level.In some embodiments, local controllers report to the building automationsystem(s) over a network in order to ensure the overall building system,that includes individually or locally controlled components, isoperating at optimal efficiency and is also adjusted to ensure the mosteffective utilization of the energy sources and the grid(s) thatsupplies energy to the building.

Further, in some embodiments, the building occupants may be engaged toencourage their active support in ensuring the building operation is asefficient and environmentally responsible as possible. Occupantengagement and participation may be implemented, for example, throughcommunications with their local sub-zone (or workspace) controllerlogic. In some embodiments, that logic may be implemented in a smartterminal unit. In some other cases, that logic may be implemented at ahigher level in the network.

Some workspaces incorporate teams, or multiple occupants working inclose proximity. In such configurations, depending on the local controldevice(s) available, either a single or multiple occupants may inhabiteach workstation. The term “local” is employed to designate the level ofcontrol. For the purposes of this document, the terms “local” and“individual” and “personal” when related to means of control haveidentical meaning. It is the configuration of the workspace(s) served bythe local control devices that will determine which term is mostappropriate. The operation of one or more devices that may serve morethan a single occupant due to this proximity issue is described in anembodiment description of the invention.

An example embodiment in which physical equipment is connected on a new,robust “comfort network” is as follows. Consider a commercial officebuilding that has multiple comfort conditioning zones that are intendedto provide for the thermal comfort for the occupants. Some zones mayencompass large open areas of office space while others may servemultiple, closed-door offices. Each zone has multiple occupants atvarious workstations in the zone. Conditioning to the zone is providedby air that can be cool or warm, depending on the zone space temperaturecompared to the temperature setpoint for a thermostat located somewherein the zone. The amount of heating or cooling to the zone may bedetermined by the rate of air flow to the zone or some other knownmethod of space conditioning.

Locally-controllable comfort units may include multi-functionalintelligent terminal units (Uniterms), for example that are capable ofinternally adjusting more than a single comfort factor, but existingunits that regulate air flow from the HVAC system or can adjust localair flow and/or air movement, heating, cooling, other comfort/visualparameters in and around the workstation also can be incorporated intothis network. As discussed below, software setup processes may survey or“discover” local (subzone) components (through the communicationsnetwork that may be connected by wire or wirelessly). Some of thatequipment may be known in the prior art for independent operation, butit has not heretofore been incorporated into an integrated, coordinated,networked system that optimizes individual user comfort while optimizingenergy efficiency over multiple zones and whole buildings.

Other locally-controllable units for different types of HVAC/Lightingsystems that are also prior art or not disclosed in this invention canbe incorporated into the new network for applications with HVAC systemtypes that condition building spaces using other methods of heating orcooling the zone, such as radiant HVAC systems. Such locally adjustableunits preferably are incorporated into the new network disclosed herein,so that they not only permit each occupant to adjust their local thermalcomfort and/or lighting levels, but also with the networked deviceinstalled within or separate from such devices, provides a means foroccupants and the system to monitor the thermal and occupancy conditionat each workspace, the current workstation energy use, and tocommunicate with the local occupant through their smart phone or otherwireless smart device or user interface. The networked devicespreferably can also communicate with other devices, the buildingautomation system (BAS) that operates the HVAC system, and the grid(s)that supply energy to the building.

Illustrative Implementations

To implement this technology, in one embodiment, a main workstationnetwork-ready device or “Main NRD” is installed as a part of, or as anadd-on to, the local comfort control component designated as the primarycomfort control component for the subzone. Each subzone must haveexactly one primary comfort control component. This component may be theUniterm, or a ceiling fan or other local thermal control component. Inaddition, a Satellite NRD is installed as part of, or as an add-on to,each of the other locally-adjustable comfort components that may bepresent in the subzone that is to be included in the network. Forexample, the network-ready device may have wired or wirelesscommunication capability. Details of network communications, forexample, packet protocols, are known. In an embodiment, each of thenetwork-ready devices includes a processor and memory along with inputand output control capacity and is preprogrammed with the operatingcharacteristics of the component to which it is attached. Thesecharacteristics may include operating efficiencies, capacities and thusoperating energy use of the various subzone components at differentlevels of capacity.

Each NRD is capable of controlling the component in which it isinstalled (or to which it is operationally coupled). The component mayinclude (or is coupled to) various instrumentation, most notablytemperature, occupancy sensors, and other sensors to inform the occupantand the system of environment conditions at the workstation. The desiredlevel of operation of each thermal comfort component in each workstationis based on local occupant's thermal preferences and a calculation ofthe optimal combination of comfort factors to achieve this preference.This calculation is made at the Main NRD based on information gatheredfrom the Satellite NRDs in the workspace and other information regardingoverall system and grid operation transmitted to the Main NRD from thebuilding server and a zone interface device (ZID). This desired level ofoperation of each component in the workstation is then transmitted itsNRD which then controls the component through its I/O capacity toachieve that level of operation. Local occupant preferences may betransmitted to the Main network-ready device NRD, preferably wirelesslyvia personal instrument such as a smart phone. (See FIG. 6.) A suitablephone “app” may be arranged to communicate with the Main NRD. A thermalmonitoring capacity of the network-ready device coupled to each localcomfort component on the new network obviates the need for aconventional thermostat that is normally applied to control the spacetemperature of the zone, since the new network, albeit separate from theusual building automation system (BAS) control network, can communicateto that network through one or more specific interface points as will beshown.

At any point in time one or more workstations may be unoccupied as istypical in commercial buildings. Studies show that commercial buildingsare generally not at or near full occupancy during much of theirdesignated occupied hours. Since in the preferred embodimentconditioning is supplied by air in a VAV system, each device at anunoccupied workstation will automatically reduce or shut off the airsupply to the local workstation to maintain it in a standby thermalcondition. This reduces overall building energy use by directingconditioning to spaces and workstations that are currently occupied. Alleach Main NRD needs to do is to report to the ZID the airflow it needsto achieve the space temperature factor of the local thermal environmentneeded in the subzone. When a subzone becomes unoccupied, the Main NRDsimply reports that it needs a zero (or near zero) airflow requirement.However, for other purposes, such as developing a typical pattern ofoccupancy so the system can anticipate the next occupancy, the occupancycondition may be communicated to the building server to develop thesepatterns and anticipate when the occupant is likely to return. This datamay be used to determine the setback for the subzone. In otherembodiments, the local device will operate the comfort unit to which itis attached to minimize to the greatest extent possible the energy usewhen the local workstation is unoccupied.

Example Operation

In the following sections, we refer to various communications betweenand among various HVAC elements. These communications may be implementedby any convenient means. Preferably, they are implemented using standardelectronic communication equipment and protocols to control cost. Forexample, computer networking equipment and protocols such as thosecommonly used for office local-area networks (LAN) and wide-areanetworks (WAN) may be used. WiFi also is convenient for somecommunications. Other, lower bandwidth systems may be used as well. Forexample, technology is known for sending and receiving limited amountsof data over ordinary (110 v) power lines. Short-range wirelesstechnology such as Bluetooth® also may be helpful in some applicationsor portions of the network. The particular communications technologyused is not critical. It may be wired, wireless or a hybrid, dependingto some extent on conditions and what is available in the building. Forpotentially sensitive building locations, say government or militaryoperations, due care should be given to security of the communicationsystems as well as the HVAC control systems to avoid hacking, maliciouscode, and the like.

Consider next that one or more of the occupants requests a cooler workenvironment at their workstation, for example, by communication with theMain NRD coupled to the local comfort device. This desire may beaccomplished by a slight increase in the local air movement around theworkstation, for example, by providing a fan that is incorporated into,or separate from, the air supply component that provides conditioning tothe workstation area. This may be the “component” coupled to theworkstation's Main NRD or another workstation component in communicationwith the Main NRD through its Satellite NRD. The ASHRAE Thermal ComfortTool provided on-line by CBE shows that a nearly imperceptible change ofonly 20 feet per minute in surrounding air velocity will change anindividual's thermal comfort perception by about 1 degree F. withoutchanging the space temperature, as it is often difficult to individuallycontrol the space temperature in subzones. The exact change depends oncertain other conditions.

Assuming the other occupants in directly adjacent workstations in thesame zone have not expressed any desire for adjustment, their devices donot change either the temperature setpoint (and thus the rate ofconditioned air flow from the HVAC system) or the localized air movementin their workspaces, so their thermal conditions remain unchanged. Atregular “update intervals,” for example, around 30 seconds or oneminute, all networked units in the zone communicate with each other andwith the HVAC system, particularly VAV ox or the element of the HVACsystem that controls the zone, as further described below. In apreferred embodiment, both power and communications may be provided tothe Main NRD and smart terminal unit over a cable from the VAV box.

The new comfort network incorporates the inter-unit communication tocombine current conditions of the subzones within each zone that includeoccupancy, occupant preferences, thermal conditions, and the operatingparameters of the components located at each workstation (subzone),along with any changes in conditions over the most recent one or more“update intervals.” An update interval may be on the order of around 30seconds to a few minutes; the exact interval is not critical. This datais assembled and communicated to the HVAC system in order to direct thesystem to provide only the conditioning that is necessary to satisfy thecurrent occupants the zone in the most energy efficient manner possible,using low energy means of conditioning as much as possible.

In one implementation, the HVAC system is first interrogated todetermine the current operating parameters regarding the marginal costfor providing conditioning air and the marginal cost for providing thecooling or heating of the conditioning air. These parameters may beprovided in several forms. For example, as a default, the HVAC systemmay simply provide the current air handling fan speed and fan powerwhich is used to calculate at the building server level the marginalcost of an increase or decrease in air flow. Or the HVAC system mayinternally calculate and provide the current marginal cost fordelivering each added unit of airflow to the zone. Since the HVACsystems to which this invention will connect are likely to vary widelyin both information available and computations included, the interfaceto the HVAC system preferably has the ability to be custom programmed toconvert whatever information form it is provided to obtain either adirect calculation or an estimate of the marginal cost for the HVACsystem resources provided to the zone.

FIG. 4 is a simplified diagram that illustrates one example embodimentof a system for individual thermal comfort control of each workstationspace utilizing smart terminal units or outlets (“Uniterm”) 400. We useUniterm to refer to a “smart” terminal unit or outlet, that replacesstandard or smart diffusers of the earlier Figures; that is, the unit isa system component that includes a processor and associated memory, aswell as communications capabilities and has the ability to monitor andcontrol more than a single comfort factor.

A prior art unit could communicate with the local occupant. Here, eachimproved Uniterm 400 also can communicate with a zone interface device(ZID) 408 which is interfaced to the BAS zone controller 420. Sensors(not shown) integrated into each Uniterm 400 provide local temperatureand occupancy conditions for the workstation it serves for thermalcontrol by the Uniterm. Uniterm affects workstation comfort conditionsby adjusting two comfort factors locally; space temperature and airmovement. It directs conditioning to an area directly below the unit.Air from Uniterm can be directed toward an occupant (as illustrated)because primary air is mixed with room air in the Uniterm with aninternal fan, eliminating the need to “diffuse” primary air with roomair outside the unit before introducing it to the spaces. Occupants canrequest adjustment of the local thermal conditions and the subzoneUniterm will respond by adjusting space temperature and local airmovement around the workstation (and will also incorporate other localthermal comfort components that may be incorporated into the subzonenetwork) using the optimal combination of comfort factors most suitableconsidering availability, efficiency, grid constraints, and conditionsat adjacent subzones. Primary airflow is delivered to each terminal unitfrom the VAV box by a suitable pipe, duct or the like, indicated by 450.In some cases, a low-voltage (say 24 VDC) supply wire (not shown) may beprovided from the VAV box to the terminal unit to power the terminalunit. A plenum rated cable should be used for that purpose in mostapplications.

To integrate with the new network, a Main subzone NRD 402 is coupled toeach Uniterm, as shown in FIG. 4, or other local comfort device, asshown in FIG. 5 where the Main NRD is coupled to each local ceiling fan510. The Main NRD contains circuitry for wired or wireless datacommunication with other components within the subzone and providescommunication beyond the subzone which is described later. Specifically,in this embodiment, each Main NRD 402 communicates between thecorresponding Uniterm 400, and with other auxiliary components that maybe incorporated into the subzone system via Satellite NRDs, and a ZoneInterface Device (ZID) 408 coupled to the BAS Zone Controller 420. Andas shown later, each Main NRD 402 has the capacity to communicatedirectly with the building server. The Zone Interface Device alsoincludes a processor, memory and Input/Output capacity to executeprogrammed logic, and a communications module. Preferably, datacommunicated from each Uniterm or other local unit in a zone is compiledin the Zone Interface Device 408 and an airflow setpoint adjustment forall subzones is established and communicated to BAS Zone Controller 420at the VAV box using one of various techniques to meet the operationalrequirements of the particular Zone controller manufacturer and model.

In a preferred embodiment, at the zone level, the primary compilation ofinformation is the summation of the airflow requirements from all thesubzones and the status of the Uniterm damper positions to know if anyare wide open or nearly wide open (this helps refine the air flowrequirement transmitted to the BAS zone controller). Informationrequired for control of the reheat element (if existing) of the VAV boxis also compiled from subzones it serves that may desire heated air tomore efficiently achieve the corresponding users' thermal comfortpreferences.

In an embodiment, data, preferably including airflow requirements, andcertain operational data is also compiled at each subzone Main NRD.Current operational efficiency data of the HVAC system (preferablyincluding marginal cost data) and constraints from the grid servingenergy to the building are communicated to the Main NRD in each subzone.Constraints may be imposed, for example, during a grid energy shortage,emergency, or high price period. Taking this data into account, theUniterm or other primary comfort component in the subzone, through itsMain NRD, can select and control an optimal combination and magnitude(output level) of auxiliary thermal comfort components and provide userinformation and other control services such as lighting control asdesired by the workstation occupant. This information may be passed tothe subzones from the zone level ZID. In another embodiment, certain ofthis information may be transmitted to the subzone Main NRD from thebuilding server.

Once the information from the HVAC system is received and compiled asmay be required into the correct form, the system and the subzonecomponents are optimized in each subzone at each update interval usingthe Equal Marginal Performance Principle to achieve optimal operatingenergy requirements that meets the occupant's thermal comfortpreferences in each subzone. In an embodiment the necessary calculationsmay be done in the Main NRD. In another embodiment certain of thenecessary calculations may be done in the building server.

The subzone components are optimized with respect to the HVAC system.For example, if all occupants present in a zone desire cooler thermalsensation, then, within limits placed on acceptable local air movement,the marginal cost reduction for reducing the speed and energyrequirements for the local subzone fans is compared with the marginalcost increase for adding more cooling from the HVAC system to each ofthe occupied workspaces to reduce the space temperature. If overallsystem marginal energy use and cost can be reduced by reducing the speedof the device fans and increasing the marginal cooling from the HVACsystem to the zone, then the primary air volume at the affected subzonesis increased and an increase in cooling command is sent to the zone. Asadded zone cooling occurs and the space temperature falls, localized airmovement is reduced, reducing overall system energy use. Operation ofthe various devices is carried out in the optimized manner by thecorresponding intelligent interfaces such as the VAV Box interface atthe zone level, and the NRDs at the subzone level.

FIG. 5 is a simplified diagram that illustrates a system for control ofa workspace such that the auxiliary comfort component operation iscoordinated with the main comfort system for localized (subzone) thermalcontrol at each workstation or space through coordinated control of morethan a single comfort factor. This illustration shows a more genericHVAC system that could be a VAV system, but also could be a radiantcomfort system or an underfloor or some other type of building comfortsystem that is not conducive to utilizing a Uniterm for the purposes ofcomfort control. In FIG. 5, each subzone utilizes a local ceiling fan510 as the primary thermal comfort component, with a Main

NRD 512 coupled to the fan for communications of data such as currentfan speed. The Main NRD on each ceiling fan also provides an integratedtemperature sensing device (not shown) and occupancy sensor, tocommunicate local temperature and occupancy in each subzone to the BASzone controller 520, via wired or wireless communications indicated at522.

In this scenario, sensors integrated into each auxiliary device 510 andthe Main NRD 512 provide local temperature and occupancy conditions forthermal control by each unit. Whatever additional auxiliarycomponents(s) that may be included are operated under control of theMain NRD logic to optimally control subzone comfort conditions byadjusting these comfort components(s) locally through the Main NRD. Datafrom each workstation or locality in the subzone is communicated (viathe subzone Main NRD) to the ZID 508 which is interfaced to the BAS zonecontroller 520 at the VAV box, the radiant or underfloor system unit orother zone conditioning unit 524 to optimize its operation. Occupantscan request adjustments in thermal and other conditions in a fashionidentical to the preferred VAV system.

FIG. 6 provides a further illustration of network communications andoperations showing in particular optional auxiliary thermal comfort andother components that may be incorporated into the system at varioussubzones. This figure shows additional local auxiliary components, i.e.,components in a subzone, interfaced to the smart diffuser controllerthrough the one Main NRD 620 in each subzone. Each auxiliary componentemploys a Satellite NRD that communicates wirelessly with the Main NRD620 in each subzone. A VAV box may supply conditioned air as before tosubzone terminal units, via duct or other conduit, 600. Local subzonecomponents may include, for example, ceiling lights 608 controlled by asatellite NRD lighting controller 610. The Satellite NRD lightingcontroller 610 is arranged for communications via (wired or wireless)path 612 with the smart diffuser Main NRD 620. Preferably, allcommunications in this drawing, shown by dotted lines, are wireless andbidirectional. Another example of a local comfort component is anauxiliary ceiling radiant heating panel and associated Satellite NRDcontroller 630. The Satellite NRD heating panel controller 630 also isarranged for communications with the local smart diffuser Main NRD 620as are any other auxiliary components in the subzone. Similar equipmentmay be provided in additional subzones such as shown in Subzone 2.

Additional local components may include a workstation Satellite NRDappliance controller 642 which is also configured to communicate withthe subzone smart diffuser Main NRD 620. The Satellite NRD's (not shownseparately from the component) on, or coupled with, each auxiliarycomponent in every subzone, communicates only with the Main NRD on theUniterm (or primary subzone comfort component) in each zone whichcorrelates and directs information to and from the auxiliary componentas required. For example, if the user requests a change in the localthermal environment, the Main NRD will adjust the combination of localcomfort components to achieve that change with the greatest marginalefficiency but subject to external or internal limitation.

If, for example, if the user in a subzone requests the auxiliary heatingcomponent to be shut off, that command will be received by the Main NRD620 and then send an “off” command directly to the auxiliary heatingSatellite NRD 630 and will then use other means that exist to maintainthe desired local thermal conditions. The component will remain off withits “manual off” status highlighted on the user interface until the userreleases that override command. Another Satellite NRD controller 642individually controls the plug outlets on a power strip that providespower to user desktop equipment, for example, a desk lamp 644 (via powercord 643) or computer 648. The communication connections amongcomponents within each subzone may be wired or wireless, for example,via Bluetooth® wireless technology. An application program or “app” (notshown) may be provisioned on a computer 648 or on a smart phone, tabletor other mobile device 650 to provide a convenient user interface tointeract with the Main NRD 642. The user interface communication isalways to the Main NRD 620 which in turn provides communication to allother subzone components, overhead lighting, auxiliary heating, desktoplight, and computer and/or any other subzone components integrated intothe system.

Subzone 2 in FIG. 6 illustrates additional local components. Theseexamples are not intended to be an exhaustive catalog. Of particularrelevance are components that affect user thermal comfort. But othercomponents that provide other amenities for subzone occupants such asair sanitizers, white noise generators, and many other component typesmay be incorporated into the system with an appropriate Satellite NRDcoupled to it and monitored and controlled by the user through thesystem network. In the Subzone 2 portion of FIG. 6 is a another Unitermand its Main NRD 660. The subzone network in Subzone 2 includes anauxiliary temperature/occupancy sensor and Satellite NRD 640, aSatellite NRD lighting controller 664, auxiliary Satellite NRD heatingcontroller 666, and a general-purpose Satellite NRD 670 which may becoupled, for example, to control a window shade or covering 672. Alsocommunicatively coupled to the controller 660 are the desktop/mobileuser elements generally as described with regard to subzone 1. Themobile phone and or computer components in each subzone preferablyprovide the occupant (or “user”) with communication to the cloud and thebuilding server as well as to the local components and can be employedto set up and reconfigure the associated Uniterm and its associatedcomponents in the subzone. Thus, for a given subzone, the Main NRD andthe associated NRDs together form a local communications sub-network.This sub-network is isolated from other subzone sub-networks using knownnetwork isolation and security technologies.

FIG. 7 provides a simple illustration of one example embodiment in whichthe system is configured in a series of thermal comfort zones in abuilding. Shown here is a schematic of the system operating on twofloors with two zones on each floor and two subzones in each zone. Thisfigure represents the system as applied to a VAV system, the most commontype system for commercial buildings, but essentially the same networkconfiguration would be applied to other thermal comfort system types. Inthis VAV system, the component at the top would be an air handler 702that supplies conditioned air to each of the four VAV boxes (704, 706,708 710) that provide the condition air to each zone. The dashed linesthroughout show the hierarchy of communications. Some of these may bedirect and others may pass through and incorporate other informationfrom the building server which is not shown for simplicity. Each subzoneincorporates a variety of components, some of which are comfortcomponents that are integrated into a system to ensure each subzone canachieve the user's desired thermal comfort level. Subzone levelcomponents were described in detail with regard to previous drawingfigures. Others, such as lights, computer, and window shades may beintegrated into the subzone network so that the user has command overall these elements from a single wireless application. Such anapplication, in addition to providing thermal comfort adjustments andrelated interactions with the subzone Main NRD, may enable a user tocontrol operation of selected components manually, or the NRD maycontrol them based on schedule-based time, occupancy or otherconsideration. These connections may also permit the user to access acomplete accounting of the workstation energy use and carbon footprint,which in some embodiments can be compared with groups of users toachieve a rating for the comparative workstation efficiency.

FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram illustrating an example comfortnetwork electronic communication pathways (not mechanical connections).In FIG. 8, operating data is communicated from the NRDs (subzone level)and ZIDs (zone level) to the cloud 800 from the building server 802where additional data is compiled, and interaction is returned regardingoccupant preferences, overall optimization, current energy gridoperating parameters, etc. to provide specific parameters to eachelement in the building comfort system and other systems on the networkas well as to the occupants in order to engage them making thermalcomfort and energy choices informed by in specific constraints on theoverall system that might occur.

In one example implementation, a system may be designed as follows. Itcomprises a) Building Central Equipment 806—b) Air Handler Systems810—c) Zone 812—d) Subzone (Main NRD with user interface) 814—e) subzonecomponent 820. Intra-building networks are to be wireless wherepossible. Occupant wireless connection is limited to the local subzoneMain NRD & certain global information. Selected configuration and setupfeatures can be defined/altered at local level with automatic networkupdates. For example, the subzone may have an air cleaning or sanitizingcomponent which the user can set for timed or continuous operationthrough the user interface. Or the user can add or eliminate a subzonecomponent through the user interface, or set limits on allowable airmovement in the subzone, etc. In some embodiments, selected data orelements can be accessed across network divisions. So, for example, allusers may be able to read the outside air weather conditions, schedulesfor HVAC system operation and other information relevant to all buildingoccupants. This data may be provided by the Building Server.

In one example implementation, network capacity requirements may be, forexample:

-   -   Network(s) consists over time of unlimited numbers of        Interconnected Buildings    -   Each Building has 1 to 50 or more Systems    -   Each System has 1 to 30 or more Zones    -   Each Zone has 1 to 12 or more Subzones    -   Each Subzone has 1 to 6 or more Components+Cell phone connection    -   Each Subzone Component has 1 to 12 or more discrete points of        control or information

FIG. 9 is a simplified system diagram in accordance with one embodimentof the present disclosure. This conceptual diagram illustrates pluralbuilding control systems interfaced via the internet cloud 990 to otherbuilding servers and a central server, box 992. This central server isnot the same as an individual building server (900); rather, the centralserver can provide centralized HVAC control and monitoring over multiplebuildings from any location. So, for example, if an authorized entitydevelops an improved algorithm for HVAC operational efficiency, it candownload the improved software from the cloud to each of the buildingservers (900) under its control.

A building server 900, suitably programmed, is provisioned. It may be onsite at a building or remote. The building server 900 is configured fordata communications, preferably wireless communication, with variouscomponents as follows. The building server is communicatively coupled tothe building central plant 902, via interface 960, as indicated by adashed line. The building server 900 also is communicatively coupled toeach air handler, for example, air handler 910 (via interface 962) whichis served Heating or cooling resources from the central plant 902 usingair or liquid fluids via piping, conduit or duct 905. Similarly, thecentral plant 902 may serve other air handlers via suitable pipes,conduits or ducts 904. Each additional air handler (not shown)preferably has means for communication with the building server 900.

The air handler 910 serves plural zones in the building, some of whichmay have a zone VAV box, such as VAV Box Zone A indicated at 920. Eachzone VAV box is served via a conduit or duct 914 to bring conditionedairflow to the zone VAV box from the air handler. Similarly, a VAV BoxZone B 930 may be served by the air handler 910 via duct 914. In turn,the VAV box 930 serves its subzones via ducts 950. Another VAV Box ZoneC indicated at 940 is similarly arranged to serve its subzones.

VAV Box Zone A, 920 has an associated ZID (zone interface device) 964for communication with building server 900 and to execute datacompilation, control and reporting operations as described herein. TheVAV box 920 is arranged to serve and control terminal units in each ofits subzones. One example is subzone terminal unit 1 shown at 926 whichhas associated Main subzone NRD 928 for control operations andcommunications with the zone box A via ZID 964. Additional subzoneterminal units 2 and 3 are also served by VAV box 920 along withcommunications via additional Main NRDs 970, 972. In addition, each ofthe Subzone Terminal Unit Main NRDs 928 970, 972 have the option ofcommunicating directly with the Building Server 900, for example,through a high-speed wireless connections 980. While the comfortsystem(s) in any building may be configured somewhat differently than asshown in FIG. 9, the hierarchy of a system that converts incoming energyinto heating or cooling, to a system that distributes this energy to oneor more zones is common among virtually all commercial building comfortsystems. The communication paths (dashed lines) shown in

FIG. 9 can be applied to nearly all commercial building comfortconditioning systems.

An alternative strategy for system optimization is also provided by thepresent disclosure. In an air supply system, added cooling to the zoneto lower the space temperature can be provided by either increasingairflow to the zone or reducing the temperature of the airflow to thezone. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the marginal costs ofthese changes and the marginal costs of the local control devices withrespect to cooling effect are all considered. The programmed logicpreferably applies the known Equal Marginal Performance Principle, toestablish and maintain the optimal relationship for all these units,while preserving the thermal comfort desires of the occupants who arepresent.

Because commercial buildings are always (or nearly always) operating atless than full occupancy, the optimization of this system ofnetwork-connected occupancy detecting individual comfort controldevices, combined with optimization with the HVAC system, results inmuch improved occupant comfort and a substantial reduction in overallbuilding energy use, as confirmed by model simulations.

FIG. 10 is a simplified block diagram illustrating examplecommunications and selected operations of a smart diffuser or terminalunit controller (Uniterm). The controller may be integrated in theterminal unit. In another embodiment, the controller may be integratedinto an NRD coupled to the terminal unit. The controller includes aprocessor and software to carry out the following functions. At block1004, the controller may execute a setup module to inventory localcomponents in the sub-zone and user (occupier) preferences. This may bedone using the local interfaces 1005. See the description above withregard to FIG. 4.

At block 1006, the controller acquires input data inputs fromtemperature and occupancy sensors in the zone. Again, local interfacesmay be used, wired or wireless. At block 1008, a comfort moduledetermines what changes are needed in the subzone to accommodate thesubzone (user) thermal comfort preferences. These may be default valuesor updated by the user. To that end, in an embodiment, the controllermay transmit a request for information to the VAV (zone) level smartinterface. This may be done using network communications 1011, discussedabove.

At block 1012, the controller receives the requested information fromthe zone level controller, including, for example, current cost data forincremental changes in supplied air volume and temperature. Certain ofthis information may also come from the building server depending inpart on the configuration of the building HVAC system and the BASnetwork. At block 1016, the controller executes code to optimizesettings for the subzone, in terms of lowest cost and highest usersatisfaction (based on user thermal comfort preferences). It determinesthe best combination for applying the available resources, including thesubzone components and the VAV box. The Main subzone componentcontroller then operates that component and if auxiliary componentsexist in the subzone, sends commands to control the local components viatheir Satellite NRDs accordingly, via communications 1030 from the MainNRD. Likewise, it sends commands to the VAV controller to request anadjustment to airflow volume or re-heat if applicable, viacommunications 1032 also from the Main NRD.

FIG. 11 is a simplified block diagram illustrating some of thecommunications and operations of an Air Handler level controller. Atblock 1104 the controller executes a setup module to inventory thesystems and zones it serves. It does so using a communications link 1106which generally communicates with the building server. It furtherreceives inputs from zone VAV controllers, block 1108. The controllerexecutes a conditioning module to determine overall airflow needs andoptimize conditioning to zones using available resources, generally acombination of airflow and air temperature, block 1110. Thisdetermination includes receiving data from the associated heating andcooling resource provider, for example, a central HVAC plant 1112. Atblock 1114 the air handler controller transmits operating instructionsto the zone level interfaces, to implement the optimized settings. Thesemay be transmitted over a communications link or network 1116. Next thecontroller receives replies and or updates from the zone level, block1118. Then the process loops via 1120 to provide updates to theconditioning module, block 1110. That module may then update orre-calculate the overall conditioning needs and optimization settings.

FIG. 12 is a simplified flow diagram illustrating some of thecommunications and operations of a building central plant levelcontroller. At block 1202, the controller executes a setup module toinventory the central plant systems and the air handlers it serves usingcommunication link 1204 in communication with the building server. Italso receives information from the systems it serves 1206, generally airhandlers, via communications 1208. The controller executes a heating andcooling software module to determine heating and cooling requirementsneeded by the systems (air handlers) using available resources,generally a combination of fluid (liquid or air) and fluid temperature,block 1210. This determination includes receiving energy grid data 1220regarding constraints, including short term cost adjustments, from theassociated energy grid(s) that provide(s) energy to the building whichmay be a combination of fuels, some of which may be generated onsite.

At block 1222 the central plant controller transmits operatinginstructions to the air handler (system) level interfaces, via 1224, toimplement the conditioning with optimized settings that accommodate anynecessary constraints. Next, the central plant controller receivesreplies and or updates from the air handler (system) level, block 1230.Then the process loops via 1240 to provide updates to the heating andcooling module, block 1210. That module may then update or re-calculatethe overall heating and cooling needs and optimization settings, andrepeat the foregoing process.

In another example embodiment, a system may include the followingelements:

a VAV box unit arranged to provide conditioned airflow into a zone in acommercial building;

a VAV box controller operatively coupled to the VAV box unit to controlairflow volume through the VAV box unit into the zone;

a zone interface device (ZID) coupled to the VAV box controller forinterfacing a subzone network to the VAV box controller;

a primary thermal control component installed to serve a subzone in thezone;

a Main NRD (network ready device) operatively coupled to the primarythermal control component;

the subzone having first and second means of adjusting the subzonethermal level installed in the subzone, the first means comprising afirst element of the primary thermal component and the second meanscomprising either a second element of the primary thermal component or aseparate auxiliary comfort component; and

a Satellite NRD operatively coupled to the auxiliary comfort component;

wherein the Main NRD includes hardware and/or software logic configuredto—

store a thermal comfort preference value of a user of the subzone;

receive local temperature and occupancy conditions from sensors in thesubzone;

if the space is occupied, compare the local temperature condition to thestored thermal comfort preference; and

adjust thermal comfort conditions of the subzone, based at least in parton the comparison, so as to achieve the stored thermal comfortpreference value in the subzone;

wherein adjusting the thermal comfort conditions of the subzone includesat least one of—

communicating a request to the ZID to adjust the VAV box airflow volumeinto the zone;

communicating a control request to the primary thermal controlcomponent; and

communicating a request to the auxiliary thermal comfort means viaSatellite NRD to control the auxiliary comfort component when present.

One of the novel aspects of the present disclosure is incorporating intomultiple individual thermal adjustment components the sensing ofoccupancy, thermal conditions, and thermal condition desires at eachworkspace (subzone), and the networking of this information boththroughout the zone and with the HVAC system to optimize both occupantcomfort and system energy use.

The present systems and methods are not reliant on any specificindividual thermal adjustment component (or multiple components) thatmay be used by each occupant. Nor is it necessary that all components onthe network be the same or employ the same or similar means for thermaladjustment. Through employing the Equal Marginal Performance Principlefor optimization, the characteristics of each component (the marginalcost for marginal thermal sensation change) is embedded into thecontroller for each component and these are combined to optimize thezone and the overall HVAC system just as described in the Preferredembodiment. Similarly, the type of HVAC system to which this inventionis applied is entirely flexible. In the US, variable air volume (VAV)systems are the most common in commercial buildings, but radiant (eitherceiling or floor based) and underfloor air systems are also employedfrom time to time in commercial buildings and again, employing the typesof personal control components that are appropriate for each systemtype, the identical configuration of this separate network, and controllogic, appropriately customized, can be applied to optimize bothoccupant comfort and overall system energy performance.

Implementation Hardware and Software

Most of the equipment discussed above comprises hardware and associatedsoftware. For example, the typical electronic device is likely toinclude one or more processors and software executable on thoseprocessors to carry out the operations described. We use the termsoftware herein in its commonly understood sense to refer to programs orroutines (subroutines, objects, plug-ins, etc.), as well as data, usableby a machine or processor. As is well known, computer programs generallycomprise instructions that are stored in machine-readable orcomputer-readable storage media. Some embodiments of the presentinvention may include executable programs or instructions that arestored in machine-readable or computer-readable storage media, such as adigital memory. We do not imply that a “computer” in the conventionalsense is required in any particular embodiment. For example, variousprocessors, embedded or otherwise, may be used in equipment such as thecomponents described herein.

Memory for storing software again is well known. In some embodiments,memory associated with a given processor may be stored in the samephysical device as the processor (“on-board” memory); for example, RAMor FLASH memory disposed within an integrated circuit microprocessor orthe like. In other examples, the memory comprises an independent device,such as an external disk drive, storage array, or portable FLASH keyfob. In such cases, the memory becomes “associated” with the digitalprocessor when the two are operatively coupled together, or incommunication with each other, for example by an I/O port, networkconnection, etc. such that the processor can read a file stored on thememory. Associated memory may be “read only” by design (ROM) or byvirtue of permission settings, or not. Other examples include but arenot limited to WORM, EPROM, EEPROM, FLASH, etc. Those technologies oftenare implemented in solid state semiconductor devices. Other memories maycomprise moving parts, such as a conventional rotating disk drive. Allsuch memories are “machine readable” or “computer-readable” and may beused to store executable instructions for implementing the functionsdescribed herein.

A “software product” refers to a memory device in which a series ofexecutable instructions are stored in a machine-readable form so that asuitable machine or processor, with appropriate access to the softwareproduct, can execute the instructions to carry out a process implementedby the instructions. Software products are sometimes used to distributesoftware. Any type of machine-readable memory, including withoutlimitation those summarized above, may be used to make a softwareproduct. That said, it is also known that software can be distributedvia electronic transmission (“download”), in which case there typicallywill be a corresponding software product at the transmitting end of thetransmission, or the receiving end, or both.

Having described and illustrated the principles of the invention in apreferred embodiment thereof, it should be apparent that the inventionmay be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from suchprinciples. We claim all modifications and variations coming within thespirit and scope of the following claims.

1. A method for improving user comfort and optimizing building energyefficiency in a commercial building served by an HVAC system,comprising: identifying a zone of a building that is served by azone-wide primary comfort component, the zone-wide primary comfortcomponent operated by a zone controller; designating plural subzoneswithin the zone, each subzone arranged to receive thermal comfortconditioning from the primary comfort component; in each designatedsubzone, providing a local subzone controller associated with thecorresponding subzone, thereby defining a one-to-one relationshipbetween each local subzone controller and the corresponding subzone; ineach local subzone controller, identifying at least one auxiliarythermal comfort control component that is local to the subzone andoperated by the subzone controller; in each local subzone controller,determining current occupancy status, current thermal comfort conditionsand current comfort settings of the subzone; in each local subzonecontroller— calculating a comfort factor adjustment to satisfy thecurrent subzone comfort settings based on the current occupancy statusand the current thermal comfort conditions; determining a least-cost ormost energy efficient combination of adjustments (a) to the zone-wideprimary comfort component and (b) to operation of the subzone auxiliarythermal comfort component(s) to achieve the calculated comfort factoradjustment; communicating the determined primary comfort componentadjustment as a request to the zone controller; determining andexecuting an immediate adjustment to operation of the identified subzoneauxiliary thermal comfort component(s) to achieve the calculated comfortfactor adjustment with the current state of the zone wide thermalcomfort component so as to quickly achieve the desired subzone thermalcomfort setting; and periodically readjusting the operation of thesubzone auxiliary comfort component(s) as the zone-wide comfortcomponent is adjusted by the zone controller, thereby to increaseoverall efficiency of the conditioning system and better meet thecurrent desired thermal comfort setting at all subzones.
 2. The methodof claim 1 including: in the zone controller, aggregating all subzoneadjustment requests and determining an adjustment of the primaryzone-wide comfort component that best satisfies all subzone adjustmentrequests; and applying the determined adjustment to operation of theprimary zone-wide comfort component.
 3. The method of claim 1 including:receiving an action request input from a local user interface associatedsubzone, the requested action to modify a thermal comfort value of thesubzone away from a predetermined default thermal comfort value;estimating energy cost or environmental consequences of the requestedaction; communicating via the local user interface to inform of theenergy or environmental consequences of the requested action; receivinga reply from the local user interface to modify the requested action orcontinue with the requested action; responsive to the reply indicatingcontinue with the requested action, executing the requested action; andresponsive to the reply indicating a modification of the requestedaction, modifying the requested action to form a modified request andexecuting the modified request.
 4. The method of claim 1 including:receiving data in the subzone controller regarding external energy costor availability constraints; calculating zone and subzone thermalcomfort adjustment necessary to accommodate the constraint;communicating the proposed adjustment in a message to the local userinterface of the subzone; receiving a reply from the local userinterface to modify the proposed action or continue with the proposedaction; responsive to the reply indicating continue with the proposedaction, executing the proposed action; and responsive to the replyindicating a modification of the proposed action, modifying the proposedaction to form a modified action and executing the modified action. 5.The method of claim 1 including: communicating in a message to the localuser interface a cost and or environmental impact of a requested usersubzone thermal comfort adjustment; receiving a user response to uphold,modify, or abandon the initially requested adjustment; and responsive tothe users response, executing the selected option to uphold, modify orabandon the requested subzone thermal comfort adjustment.
 6. The methodof claim 1 including: receiving control signal inputs basedpredetermined thermal comfort preference data as well as constraintsresulting from differing thermal comfort preferences at adjacentsubzones and/or external energy cost or availability constraints; andadjusting operation of at least some of the subzone comfort controlcomponents responsive to the control signal inputs, wherein theadjusting step balances the costs and effectiveness of local (zone andsubzone) comfort control component adjustments versus the costs oravailability of the HVAC system supply adjustments to arrive at anoptimal combination of comfort factor adjustments in terms of bothenergy efficiency and system constraints or limitations to achieve eachsubzone's corresponding default comfort values.
 7. The method of claim 1including: receiving lighting control inputs via user interfaces of thesubzones; and adjusting the lighting conditions in each subzone based onthe control signal inputs and the stored occupant preferences as well asconstraints resulting from differing preferences at adjacentworkstations and/or external energy cost or availability constraints. 8.The method of claim 1 including: first collecting data about the comfortpreferences and operating information including at least local indoorand outdoor temperatures; receiving an adjustment request via a userinterface of a subzone; comparing the requested adjustment to thehistorical local conditions; communicating to the requester an analysisof the requested adjustment relative to the stored historicalconditions; receiving a reply to the communication; and effecting therequested adjustment based on the reply.
 9. A method for improving usercomfort and optimizing building energy efficiency in a commercialbuilding served by an HVAC system, comprising: identifying a zone of thebuilding, wherein the zone is served conditioned airflow from an airhandler through a zone VAV box; designating plural subzones within thezone, each subzone receiving conditioned airflow from the zone VAV boxand providing a workspace for one or more occupants; acquiringindividual thermal comfort preference data for each subzone; designatingthe individual thermal comfort preference data as the occupied comfortsetting for the corresponding subzone; for each subzone, control of theconditioned airflow from the VAV box is the primary comfort componentfor the subzone; in each subzone controller— identifying availableauxiliary comfort control component(s); determining and storing acorresponding marginal cost for marginal thermal sensation change foreach of the comfort components and any user set limits or constraints onthe application of each component in the subzone; monitoring a currentspace temperature and occupancy condition in the subzone; determiningfrom the current subzone conditions what comfort factor changes willoptimally achieve the current subzone thermal comfort level setting; andcalculating and executing a combination of conditioned airflow andauxiliary comfort component adjustments the best achieves the currentcomfort setting considering any user or system limitations andconstraints.
 10. The method of claim 9 including: receiving an actionrequest input from a user interface associated with a subzone, therequested action to modify a thermal comfort value of the subzone awayfrom the corresponding default thermal comfort value; estimating energycost or environmental consequences of the requested action;communicating via a local user interface in the subzone to inform of theenergy or environmental consequences of the requested action; receivinga reply from the local user interface to modify or continue with therequested action; responsive to the reply indicating continue with therequested action, executing the requested action; and responsive to thereply indicating a modification of the requested action, modifying therequested action to form a modified request and executing the modifiedrequest.
 11. The method of claim 9 including: receiving data regardingexternal energy cost; in a processor, calculating a proposed adjustmentto thermal comfort conditions for a subzone responsive to the receivedcost data; communicating the proposed adjustment in a message over anetwork to a local user interface of the subzone; receiving a reply tothe message that indicates the subzone's occupant response to theproposed adjustment; and responsive to the reply indicating continuewith the proposed adjustment, executing the proposed adjustment; andresponsive to the reply indicating a modification of the proposedadjustment, modifying the proposed adjustment to form a modifiedadjustment and executing the modified adjustment.
 12. The method ofclaim 9 including: communicating in the message to the local userinterface a cost and or environmental impact of the proposed adjustment;responsive to an indication of override in the reply message,communicating in a second message to the local user interface options touphold, modify or abandon the override indication; responsive toreceiving a reply to the second message, uphold, modify or abandon theoverride indication as directed in the reply to the second message. 13.The method of claim 9 including: receiving control signal inputs basedon the acquired thermal comfort preference data as well as constraintsresulting from differing preferences at adjacent workstations and/orexternal energy cost or availability constraints; and adjustingoperation of at least some of the subzone comfort control componentsresponsive to the control signal inputs, wherein the adjusting stepbalances the costs and effectiveness of local (zone and subzone) comfortcontrol component adjustments versus the costs or availability of theHVAC system supply adjustments to arrive at an optimal combination ofcomfort factor adjustments in terms of both energy efficiency and systemconstraints or limitations to achieve each subzone's correspondingdefault comfort values.
 14. The method of claim 9 including: receivinglighting control inputs via user interfaces of the subzones; andadjusting the lighting conditions in each subzone based on the controlsignal inputs and predetermined preferences as well as constraintsresulting from differing preferences at adjacent workstations and/orexternal energy cost or availability constraints.
 15. The method ofclaim 9 including: first collecting data about the comfort preferencesand operating information that includes at a minimum local indoor andoutdoor temperatures; receiving an adjustment request via a userinterface of a subzone; comparing the requested adjustment to thethermal comfort setting historically desired at current localconditions; communicating to the requester an analysis of the adjustmentrequest relative to the historical thermal comfort setting desired atcurrent local conditions; receiving a reply to the communication; andeffecting the requested adjustment based on the reply.
 16. A methodcomprising: identifying a subzone of an HVAC system in a commercialbuilding, the subzone served by a primary comfort control component;identifying an auxiliary comfort control component also disposed toserve the subzone; providing an electronic communications sub-networkfor control of the primary and auxiliary comfort control components inthe subzone; receiving an input signal indicating a change in comfortconditions of the subzone; in the sub-network, calculating a most energyefficient combination and magnitude of the primary comfort controlcomponent and the auxiliary comfort control component to achieve theindicated change; and communicating instructions via the communicationssubnetwork to adjust settings of the primary and auxiliary comfortcontrol components to achieve the optimal combination and magnitudes.17. The method of claim 16 wherein the input signal is received from auser interface associated with the subzone.
 18. The method of claim 16wherein the adjustment is first subject to approval from the occupant(s)either directly or by setup limits established by the occupant(s) of thesubzone before being implemented and if not approved is subject to analternate adjustment that achieves the desired comfort level in a mannerthat is approved by the occupant(s).
 19. The method of claim 16 whereina calculation is made periodically even when no adjustment is signaledfrom occupant(s), in which case operation of the comfort controlcomponents are adjusted so as to maintain a default level of comfort inthe most energy efficient way practicable.
 20. The method of claim 16wherein the user interface is implemented by an application programexecutable on a smartphone device.